Tourist and Working Visas in Turkey: What You Need to Know

Foreigners wishing to visit Turkey are strongly recommended to review the country's visa regulations. Visa types granted by Turkey are categorized into five groups: Tourist/Businessperson, Official Visa, Student – Education Visa, Working Visa, and Other Visas. The specifics of the visa can vary depending on the purpose of the visit.

Tourists or business visitors may be exempt from visas or can obtain an e-Visa, while all others must apply through Turkish Representations abroad. More information is available at www.mfa.gov.tr.

Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay of their visa, e-Visa, visa exemption, or residence permit. For instance, to enter Turkey with a 90-day visa, foreigners should hold a travel document valid for 150 days (90 days + 60 days) at the time of entrance.

Exemptions to this rule exist for citizens of certain countries according to "European Agreement on Regulations governing the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe" or for those holding passports which are expired but considered as valid for a certain period.

Tourist Visa:

The invitation letter for a Tourist Visa must include the inviter's ID number, clear identity, list of invitees, permanent address, contact number, length and purpose of stay, and the relationship with the applicant. If the inviting party is an organization or a company, its tax registration certificate is required. The inviter must also pledge to cover accommodation and meal expenses.

Working Visa:

Applications for work permits are made through Turkish consular offices in the applicant's country of residence or nationality. Required documents include the applicant's passport, visa application form, and a letter from the employer. Other documents should be submitted by the employer to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) within ten working days after application. Once approved, the foreigner is charged an Entry Visa Fee, Work Permit Certificate Fee, and Residence Fee. The work permit also acts as a residence permit. The applicant should register at the local police department within one month after arrival in Turkey to obtain the necessary residence permit.

Internship Visa / Work Permit Exemption:

Certain categories of individuals are exempt from needing a work permit based on Article 55 of the Law Enforcement Regulation on Working Permits of Foreigners no. 4817. Exemptions cannot be extended beyond a calendar year and if the need for work extends beyond the exemption period, a work visa is required.

Tour Operator Representative Visa:

Representatives of tour operators are exempt from needing a work visa for their duties for up to eight months.

Transportation Visa:

Foreigners applying for a transportation visa may be given a multiple-entry visa valid for one year if they submit the required documents.

Personnel Assigned for Foreign Religious Foundations:

Work permits for foreigners employed in religious foundations are under an exceptional condition. Applications are made through the Ministry and residence permits are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Archaeological Excavation, Exploration, Documentary Purpose Visas:

Foreigners intending to shoot a documentary, conduct research, or an archeological excavation should obtain special permission in advance. Those intending to carry out scientific researches, sound track recording, filming documentaries and movies, photo shooting on archaeological, historical, geological, sociological, and natural issues in Turkey need to directly apply to the related institutions.

Keywords: Turkey, visa regulations, Tourist Visa, Working Visa, Internship Visa, Tour Operator Representative Visa, Transportation Visa, Foreign Religious Foundations, Archaeological Excavation Visa, e-Visa.